It's something self-important celebutards like to do to think they're in some kind of control of the greater picture of life. Naturally an ego-maniac like Howard flocks to this, same reason he eats up Dr Sarno's bullshit.

Funny thing is someone brought up Dr Sarno to Jay Thomas the other day and Jay said it was all horse shit.

TM is rich people spending money. That's all.
People that have money like to spend it.
In case of his mom is the usual homemaker that has nothing to do at home so she freak out about it and when given something she dives in.
Humans are just like any other animal, we need toys and walks to entertain us and if that is not provided we get antsy.